Introduction

In Every Root an Anchor, writer and arborist R. Bruce Allison celebrates Wisconsin's most significant, unusual and historic trees. More than one hundred fascinating tales introduce us to trees in every corner of the state, some remarkable for their size or age, others for their intriguing histories. From magnificent elms to beloved pines, from hanging trees to surveyors' witness trees, from Frank Lloyd Wright's oaks to Ben Logan's maple, these trees are woven into our social and emotional history, contributing indelibly to our sense of place. They are anchors for time-honored family and community customs, manifestations of our ideals, and reminders of our lives' most significant events.

For this updated edition, Allison revisits the trees' histories and tells us which of these unique landmarks are still standing. He sets forth an environmental message as well, reminding us to recognize our undeniable connectedness to trees and to manage our tree resources wisely. As early Wisconsin conservationist Increase Lapham said, tree histories increase our love of home and improve our hearts. They deserve to be told and remembered.